The Rain man and autism
October 4th, 2007Q: I mean I know some of it, rain man and the creation of a personal world, but there is so much controversy and so many claims made about it, I just don’t really know what autism is.
Answer:
The “rain man” is a savant and they are rare.
Autism is a spectrum disorder meaning that it varies from person to person. It is also a pervasive developmental disorder meaning that it affects development on all levels and continues throughout life.
People with Autism have just a wide range of personalities and interests as neuro-typicals do. There are the shy, outgoing, introverted, extroverted, passive, agressive etc.. Many of the individuals on the severe end of the spectrum do not talk but many do and *almost* all find some way to communicate.
Individuals with Autism have very specific interests or perservations that could last in duration anywhere from a week to a lifetime. They survive (note not just thrive) on routine and sameness, change & “surprises” are not at all fun. Most individuals have very specific routines that they follow (putting on clothes, eating etc).
Most individuals also have sensory issues that can lead to meltdowns. They are not aware of how their behavior affects others and have a very difficult time “reading” other people’s emotions/ intentions. They DO NOT do this on purpose and most are NOT cruel, you try living in a foreign country where you don’t know the rules and see how YOU react.
Individuals with Autism are no less of human beings then neuro-typicals and should never be forced to act “normally”. When treated with love, support and respect many can eventually function quite well. It may not be “on time” or at a “normal time” but they *can* get there. Some live on their own, some with partners, some with parents or other family and some in group homes.
Individuals with Autism have many strengths if you just let them use them and not conform to your will.
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